NYAPRS Note: Yesterday, Governor Cuomo released the 2014 State of State address to the public. Included in the review is a renewed commitment to the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Beginning in 2014, the Justice Center will conduct statewide trainings to law enforcement based on the mandate of the Center, in order to further protect persons under their jurisdiction and form closer partnerships with law enforcement agencies at all levels.
From Page 192 of the 2014 State of State:
Provide Specialized Justice Center Training for Law Enforcement
The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs began operations on June 30, 2013. This independent State agency, enacted through the leadership of Governor Cuomo, was created to ensure that the more than one million vulnerable New Yorkers are protected from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment. The Justice Center has established new standards and practices that reform and strengthen the State’s system of incident reporting, investigations and disciplinary processes.
Beginning in 2014, Governor Cuomo will direct the Justice Center to conduct statewide training programs to educate local law enforcement agencies at every level about the mandate of the Justice Center, its jurisdiction and the critical role it plays in criminal investigations related to the abuse and neglect of vulnerable New Yorkers. By providing this important information and engaging police officers and other law enforcement personnel, the Justice Center intends to build partnerships with law enforcement that will further protect New Yorkers with special needs.
In addition, the Justice Center in partnership with State public safety agencies will provide guidance on best practices for law enforcement response to situations and confrontations involving individuals with special needs. This training will focus on the sensitivities and special needs of people with both mental and physical disabilities and will include topics such as progressive approaches to addressing emergency situations, challenging behaviors and responsiveness, victimization of people with disabilities, and improved interaction skills. The training will promote collaboration among the Justice Center, law enforcement, emergency service workers and service providers to ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers are protected to the maximum extent possible.